And they were on (prime) TV several times a week while we nowadays see them on non-regional channels every few months.

It's very likely that either Mizuki or Ikuta - or both - will pass Eri at one point. And that's what throws me off. Having your tenure compared to Goto Maki's while people still insist that she left the group too early is nothing to being compared to those people a lot of people would've given the boot several years earlier. Wasn't that Platinum Era's problem? Clinging to some members for too long and not passing the torch to the next generation?*

*I mean, see, I don't think any member of 8th gen would've made for a good face or anything. But if Ai/Reina/Gaki/Eri/Sayumi left earlier a new generation would've been added sooner as well. At least now we won't have this horrible break like "yeah I'm outta here have fun dealing with these 8 new members you don't even know yet".

I don't even understand why anyone would want to be an idol for 10 years. Somewhat idol-ish artist, like Reina, Sayumi or probably Airi soon? Okay. Or whatever Maimi and Maasa are doing? Okay. An idol that is not allowed to date and has to be held up to ridiculous standards? No way in hell. I mean four of them (members of MM) are adults by Japanese law. Then again since none of them went to university it's unlikely that they'll get a great job, huh. Time to look for a hubby!

Can I just say I love how even fewer fucks Rinapuu has been giving of late?

I still don't like her on stage but her not giving a fuck in terms of fashion is pretty cool.

If all you wanted to was be an idol and then call it quits like Momoko did or are doing it while you get a degree I get it. But I will never understand why anyone who has future aspirations in entertainment would be an idol for so long, I'd argue it's not even a good stepping stone anymore.

If all you wanted to was be an idol and then call it quits like Momoko did or are doing it while you get a degree I get it. But I will never understand why anyone who has future aspirations in entertainment would be an idol for so long, I'd argue it's not even a good stepping stone anymore.

Everyone in that cast are unknowns, and it seems like it's kind of considered a childish show, so I'd argue that being an idol did not get her the role. It's also her very first role, so there's no telling where her career will go from it.

More than 8,000¥ for the DVD is really expensive but it sounds worth : both Budoukan lives + the other songs that got performed during the tour but not on at Budoukan. I'm glad they recorded and put them on the DVD.
Blu-Ray will cost more than 12k and will include the same dates and songs + making-of footage and a visual book.

On another topic, MM next release will be out in less than 3 weeks and will still have nothing but the title. What are you doing UF ?

Do not knock starting off on a sentai show. Some of Japan's biggest actresses have roots in them.

And that's fine. But I don't think Haruka getting a single role in one negates my point. She could be a nobody in five years.

She'll still probably be a higher caliber of nobody than 99% of H!P alumnae tho'! I've never been a fan of Sentai shows but they really do have a dedicated fanbase - she can very easily spin this off into a decent acting career even if she stays C-list. That's a bigger opportunity than pretty much any ex-H!P girl has been afforded, other than Gocchin with Avex (who is currently doing VERY well shilling shit on Instagram - even as a has been, she got a deal with SK-II and those are very hard to get.)

- Makino Maria's played her supportive song on recorder for baseball player Otani Shohei (she made a mistake and failed to play it well at her photobook event yesterday). She practiced and wanted to play again for those that didn't get to hear it.

- Game corner with surprise guest appearance from idol who couldn't be bothered to brush her hair, Sasaki Rikako : Gesture game and Inspiration game

I spent way too much time doing this, just to find out that Oda Sakura still hasn't gotten a shot in HinaFest.

These are the HinaFest Stats for Solo/Shuffle Corners since 2013. I only did a few stats of note. I hopefully didn't miss anyone. I started rushing at the end.

*Notes*
*I counted in C-ute for the 2017 HinaFest since they were part of the special corner.
*Funaki/Morito count towards their 2 groups (2018).
*Juice=Juice was in the 2013 HinaFest but only still as a Kenshuusei group and didn't participate in the lottery.
*Kobushi Factory weren't in the HinaFest for 2015 because of their musical.